Ringgit closes higher against US dollar

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit closed higher against the US dollar today, supported by buying in the local note, a dealer said.
At 6pm, the local unit was quoted at 4.2790/2820 against the greenback from Thursday's close of 4.2860/2900.
A dealer said the ringgit had started to pick up momentum in line with regional currencies, as investors refrained from making major trades ahead of the United States (US) non-farm payrolls data, scheduled for release today.
"Positive data will signal an interest rate hike in the US this month," the dealer said, adding, it would likely cause Asian currencies to retreat.
Against a basket of major currencies, the ringgit traded mostly higher, except against the British pound, in sliding to 5.5062/5105 from 5.5037/5105.
It rose against the Singapore dollar to 3.0873/0901 from 3.0948/0988 and appreciated to 3.8380/8417 from 3.8585/8628 compared with the yen.
The local unit strengthened against the euro to 4.8015/8053 from 4.8153/8202. — Bernama